Industry News

Arlington, VA - Construction employment declined in 99 out of 358 metro areas from March 2019 to March 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic triggered the first shutdown orders and project cancellations, according to an analysis released by the Associated General Contractors of America.

Baltimore, MD - The Cold-Formed Steel Research Consortium (CFSRC) announces the CFSRC Colloquium, a new entirely online, global conference that will take place in October 2020. The colloquium will benefit researchers, professionals and students interested in cold-formed steel structural engineering and related topics.

Washington, DC - National nonresidential construction spending fell 0.1% in March 2020 and is up 2.0% compared to the same time last year, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, spending totaled $802.6 billion for the month.

Chicago, IL - When it comes to Metal Composite Material (MCM), the saying, "It takes a village..." is particularly true. To help clarify the steps and roles of the various parties involved, The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has published a white paper: Definitions: Who Does What in the Supply and Installation of MCM. It is available as a free download on the MCA website.

Pittsburgh, PA – Triangle Fastener Corporation (TFC) has announced FM approval for their ¼-14 BLAZER 3 Drill Screws in carbon steel. The FM approval is for screw attachments per classes 4471 (Panel Roofs) and 4881 (Exterior Wall Systems). These screws are provided with TRI-SEAL® long-life finish and are approved in lengths up to 11”.

Cleveland, OH - The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) has released a new case study report, Recreation & Fitness, which features sports and recreation centers that use metal buildings systems.

Toronto, Ontario - Garland/DBS Canada Inc. was recently awarded a contract to provide roofing and waterproofing materials and related turnkey services to member entities of Kinetic GPO, a cooperative purchasing organization for broader public sector and MASH (Municipalities, Academics, School Boards, and Health and Social Services) entities across Canada.

Allentown, PA - ATAS International has launched a new website for its InSpire® transpired solar air heating collector system - with a nod to the recent 50th anniversary of Earth Day. The new site contains more project data and photos, applications and case studies, and real-time performance data of a system installed on a warehouse/production facility.

Portland, OR - With the start of summer around the corner and a focus on improvement projects that homeowners can tackle while sheltering in place, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) reminds everyone to consider exterior maintenance and care that will not only help improve curb appeal, but protect homes for the long run. A good place to start is with the roof.

Washington, DC – Reflecting the deteriorating conditions in the overall economy, demand for design services from architecture firms recorded a record fall, according to a newly published report from The American Institute of Architects (AIA). AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 33.3 for March reflects a major decrease in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score below 50 indicates a decrease in billings).

Minneapolis, MN – Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings has scheduled a one-hour AIA continuing education webinar for Thursday, April 30 at 1 PM Central Standard Time. Titled Designing Visually Dynamic Facades with Coil and Extrusion Coatings, the webinar will be hosted by Robin Bartelman, Associate AIA, Sherwin-Williams’ Architectural Sales Manager, West Coast.

Arlington, VA - Construction employment declined in 20 states and D.C. in March, aligning with the results of a recent survey by the Associated General Contractors of America that found growing layoffs amid new project cancellations and state funding constraints. Association officials warned that these cancellations mean massive job losses are likely to occur soon in even more states unless Congress helps cover rapidly declining state revenues, adds funding for Paycheck Protection Program loans and takes other measures to help the industry recover.

Chicago, IL – The Metal Construction Association (MCA) is proud to announce three new members to its executive committee and four new members to its board. Their collective experience and leadership will continue to expand MCA’s role and vision for the development of the metal construction industry.

Colorado Springs, CO - S-5! Metal Roof Innovations, one of the world’s leading authorities on metal roof attachment solutions, joins the Colorado Governor’s #DoingMyPartCO campaign to spread awareness on the fight against COVID-19 by launching its very own #DoingMyPartS5 campaign.

Washington, DC – The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation (the Foundation) has released the April 2020 Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry (MCI-EFI). Designed to collect leadership data, the index reports a qualitative assessment of both the prevailing business conditions and expectations for the future as reported by key executives from the $900 billion equipment finance sector. Overall, confidence in the equipment finance market fell to a historic low in April of 22.3, decreasing from the previous low of 46.0 in the March index.

Allentown, PA - At the recent ATAS International employee appreciation and awards dinner, Jared Gorman, CSI, and Ernie Kortvely were announced as the recipients of the annual Malan S. Parker Award, which recognizes the top sales team of 2019.

Chicago, IL – In response to widespread confusion regarding what qualifies as a Metal Composite Material (MCM), The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has published a comprehensive and authoritative white paper, "What Is A Metal Composite Material?" and made it available as a free download in three parts on its website.

Memphis, TN - Varco Pruden Buildings has announced its 2020 Hall of Fame winners. The annual competition recognizes top projects by Varco Pruden (VP) builders that display innovation and excellence through the integration of VP building systems, products, architectural appearance, end use and design.

Cleveland, OH - The Garland Company Inc., a Cleveland-based employee-owned roofing and building envelope solutions manufacturer, is celebrating its 125th anniversary by donating several thousands of dollars to local charitable initiatives.

Joplin, MO –TAMKO Building Products LLC has launched new measurement and 3D modeling technology on its website to offer contractors and dealers solutions for continuing business in a world increasingly concerned about social distancing.